Bangladesh: Flood Relief

Lord Swinfen: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What assistance is being given to Bangladesh to help with the current heavy flooding and the influx of refugees from West Bengal.

Baroness Amos: We have committed £500,000 towards the immediate relief needs of vulnerable groups in the flood affected areas. Our support is being channelled through non-governmental organisations focusing on the provision of shelter, emergency food and health assistance, and water and sanitation needs.
	We are continuing to assess closely the situation and remain ready to provide further help.
	There has not been any significant influx of refugees into Bangladesh. The small numbers of families who have crossed the border are expected to return as the waters are receding faster on the Indian side of the border.

Kosovo

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking together with other governments and international organisations to ensure that, as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees scales down its operations in Kosovo, adequate resources are available to UNMIK and all those responsible for civil administration to ensure that the economic, security and other needs of returning and returned refugees and displaced people are fully met.

Baroness Amos: We have allocated £15 million to our bilateral programme in Kosovo over three years. It is supporting capacity building in health, social welfare, public administration reform, development of public broadcasting, organisation of elections, and economic development. These activities are intended to benefit all people in, or returning to, Kosovo. Our bilateral contribution is in addition to our (approximately £39 million) share of the European Community programme, which is providing a total of 360 million euros of assistance this year.
	We have also earmarked funds for commitment to the international agencies should they identify new humanitarian needs in Kosovo not covered by existing contributions.

Kosovo

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking together with other governments and international organisations to ensure that adequate funding is available for temporary shelters for those without habitable homes in Kosovo for as long as such shelters are required.

Baroness Amos: We have earmarked funds to enable us to respond to any appeals for emergency needs including shelter not already being met by the international community.

Kosovo

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking together with other governments and international organisations to ensure that special targeted financial assistance is provided for those returned refugees and displaced people in Kosovo who are without any means to complete the construction or reconstruction of their homes.

Baroness Amos: The housing reconstruction programme in Kosovo is being funded and managed by the European Community's Agency for Reconstruction. The cost of the programme this year is 55 million euros, of which the UK share is approximately £5.8 million. Additionally, we are providing £260,000 in bilateral funds for the renovation of severely damaged houses in the area of Operation Trojan, a community project led by the British forces in Kosovo Force. Operation Trojan aims, in part, to encourage displaced Serbs and Albanians to return to their home villages.
	The beneficiaries of housing reconstruction are selected by municipal housing committees. We understand that the United Nations Mission in Kosovo is considering the introduction of accelerated appraisals for returning refugees and displaced people.

Connexions Service

Lord Northbourne: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How much money was allocated to the Government's new Connexions Service in their Year 2000 Spending Review; and whether the allocation (if any) is the total amount of "additional funding" which the Minister referred to during the passage of the Learning and Skills Bill (H.L. Deb., 17 February, col. 1380, and H.L. Deb., 14 March, col. 1504)

Baroness Blackstone: The Secretary of State for Education and Employment will make an announcement in due course about the year 2000 Spending Review outcome for individual programmes in 2001-02 and beyond, including the new resources for the Connexions Service.

Computers in Primary Schools

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What importance they attach to the recent report from the Alliance for Childhood suggesting that computers in primary schools do more harm than good.

Baroness Blackstone: It is important that we draw the right conclusions for public policy in this country, especially as the Alliance for Childhood's research was conducted in the USA. This is why the department is investing in a programme of research looking at the impact of Information and Communications Technology on learning, teaching and institutional effectiveness.
	The Government believe that computers are a valuable and important addition to the resources available in primary schools. They are not a substitute for effective teaching of the basics, which is why we have introduced the daily literacy and numeracy lesson. But, effectively used, they can enhance teaching and learning. It is also essential that young people start to learn about ICT from an early age, as they are increasingly such an important part of everyday life. That is why we have invested in ICT as well as providing considerably improved resources for teaching, books and school buildings.

Hepatitis C

Lord Rea: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In view of estimates that 200,000 or more people in the United Kingdom may be infected with hepatitis C, whether they are developing a national strategy for this condition; what is their estimate of the current level of the hepatitis C epidemic in the United Kingdom; and what projections exist for its future course; and
	What is the current effectiveness and availability of treatment for hepatitis C through the National Health Service.(HL3891)

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government's health strategy for England is an action plan to improve health and is set out in the White Paper Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation. As part of this, hepatitis C initiatives may be taken forward under the umbrella of wider action on public health.
	Studies suggest that the prevalence (current level) of chronic carriage of hepatitis C may be around 0.5 per cent of the general population in the United Kingdom. The incidence (new infection) of hepatitis C is not known, as the virus is usually acquired without symptoms. There is likely to be an increase in the diagnosis of hepatitis C in the next 10 years as individuals who have carried the virus for some time are identified through wider testing of groups who have been at risk.
	Two drug treatments for hepatitis C are currently licensed; monotherapy with alpha interferon and combination therapy with alpha interferon plus ribavirin. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is considering the use of combination therapy to treat hepatitis C, and will issue recommendations on its clinical and cost effectiveness shortly.
	Evidence-based clinical guidelines on the management of people infected with hepatitis C are being developed by a group from the British Society of Gastroenterology, the British Institute for the Study of the Liver and the Royal College of Physicians. The authoritative guidance provided by NICE and by the guidelines will ensure that combination therapy is provided consistently throughout the National Health Service, and that the most effective treatment is delivered.
	In addition, the NHS Health Technology Assessment Programme is funding a £1.1 million multi-centre, clinical trial into the potential health benefits of treating mild disease.

Cancer Detection and Treatment Initiative: Funding

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will require the tobacco companies to support through funding the initiative on cancer detection and treatment announced by the Prime Minister on 26 September in Brighton.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government have no plans to target tobacco companies to fund the initiative on cancer detection and treatment.

Health Education: Anti-smoking Campaign Funding

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will require tobacco companies to support, through funding, health education campaigns highlighting the risks of smoking.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government have no plans to make tobacco companies contribute towards health education campaigns highlighting the risks of smoking.

GM Seed in Conventional Seed: Control

Lord Tomlinson: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What progress has been made by the European Commission to deal with adventitious presence of genetically modified seed in conventional seed.

Baroness Hayman: The Commission has recently published a package of interim measures on the adventitious presence of genetically modified seed in conventional seed. Copies of these measures have been placed in the Library of the House.
	We have urged the Commission to develop comprehensive and enforceable regulatory measures as quickly as possible. In response, Commissioner Byrne has written confirming that the Commission is working on draft proposals to amend the relevant seed marketing directives. We will consult widely on the Commission's proposals once they are available.

Forest Enterprise: Quinquennial Review

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What were the main conclusions of their review of Forest Enterprise's performance, relationship with other bodies and responsiveness to customers.

Baroness Hayman: The Quinquennial Review of Forest Enterprise, which was announced on 17 May, has not yet reached its conclusion. The Review has been greatly assisted by the responses from a wide range of Forest Enterprise's customers and from other bodies with which it has a relationship.

Ministerial and Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances

Baroness Howells of St Davids: asked the Leader of the House:
	What plans there are to review the arrangements for the pay of honourable Members and Ministers.

Baroness Jay of Paddington: My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has today written to Sir Michael Perry, the Chairman of the Senior Salaries Review Body, in the following terms.
	"In 1996 the Senior Salaries Review Body undertook a comprehensive review of the pay of Members of Parliament. One of your recommendations, which the then Government accepted, was that pay should be reviewed every three years, beginning in 2000.
	You are about to start work on that review. I am therefore writing to confirm that the Government would like to see the following areas covered in your report:
	(i) the salary of Members of the House of Commons
	(ii) the salaries of Ministers and other office-holders
	(iii) the rate and structure of Peers' expenses allowances, including the secretarial allowance for Ministers and other paid office-holders in the House of Lords
	(iv) the Office Costs Allowance in the House of Commons.
	In addition, I should be grateful if the SSRB would consider the present system of calculating the Resettlement Grant.
	I look forward to receiving your recommendations early next year".

Transport Council, 2 October

Lord Dubs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the outcome of the EU Transport Council on 2 October.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: The Transport Council met in Luxembourg on 2 October. I represented the United Kingdom.
	The Council adopted a resolution on air passenger rights, setting out desired improvements, to be achieved principally through voluntary commitments by airlines, backed up if necessary by Community legislation. I emphasised the importance of better treatment for passengers, pointing out that the UK competition authorities had recently secured improvements in IATA's recommended conditions of carriage.
	A number of other aviation issues were discussed. The Commission reported on its proposal for an EU Aviation Safety Agency to help draw up Community aircraft safety standards. The Presidency undertook to make progress as soon as possible and the December Council will address the issue again. During discussion of airport slot allocation, the Commission noted the need for progress on better use of airport capacity and invited delegations to submit written comments to help it formulate a revised proposal. The Commission reported on the continuing discussions with Russia on the issue of royalty payments for flights over Siberia, and on progress in the High Level Group on a Single European Sky.
	There was a debate on the Commission's recent Communication on road transport. During discussion of the need for a specific working time directive on road transport, I made clear that UK support for the directive depended on the way it dealt with our concerns on night work, the maximum working week, and individual opt-outs. A particular concern of ours has been coverage of the self-employed. I, with a majority of other Ministers, was able to accept the provisional exclusion of the self-employed from the directive, pending a review two years after transposition. There was general agreement with the Presidency's suggestion that limiting driving time (rather than working time) rules should be clarified and simplified to ensure consistent application across the EU. All of the Ministers were in favour of greater efforts to combat illegal employment of third country drivers. There was similarly broad support for Commission ideas on the enforcement of existing rules and on driver training. The Presidency concluded that consensus existed for action on those points. It also concluded that there was broad agreement on the provisional exclusion of the self-employed from the road working time directive. Work will continue with a view to reaching common position on that Directive at a future Council on this basis.
	The Council further debated two of the legislative proposals arising from the loss of the Erika tanker off the Brittany coast last year. The debate opened with a discussion of the proposal on port state control of shipping, which would give the Commission responsibility for recognising member states' appointed ship inspection organisations. The Presidency noted that there was general agreement among member states. The Commission was concerned that Council had weakened the impact of its proposal. The matter will be further debated in the light of the European Parliament's first reading. The Council agreed a common EU approach to negotiations in the International Martime Organisation on the timetable for the accelerated phasing out of single-hulled tankers, with the objective of alignment with current US legislation.
	The Council went on to discuss the proposals contained in a Presidency paper on further measures in maritime safety (the "Erika II" package). During that debate, I joined other Ministers in emphasising that, because of the international nature of shipping, it was necessary for negotiation to take place at global level. Following the debate, the Presidency drew the following conclusions: surveillance of ships with hazardous cargoes should proceed in accordance with international law; improvement in levels of compensation for oil spills was necessary, with appropriate action being taken within existing international conventions, but with the possibility of an additional EU compensation regime if necessary. The Commission would make further proposals on maritime employment and training, and on a European maritime safety structure, which would work with national authorities and improve co-operation and transparency. The Erika II package will be further discussed at the European Council in Biarritz on 13 October.
	The Council discussed the proposed Galileo satellite navigation system, concentrating on four issues--financing, system architecture, management structure and services to be provided--which will need to be agreed if the project is to continue. The Commission presented some figures on the costs and benefits of the system, suggesting that it will be funded primarily from EU budgets and through the European Space Agency until the launch phase in 2006-2007. I joined other Ministers in stressing the need for more detailed information on all aspects of the project, including a thorough cost-benefit analysis, in good time for the Council's decision in December on whether to proceed beyond the current definition phase of the project. The Commission promised to submit a Communication on Galileo in the course of the next few weeks.
	There was discussion of a draft regulation on allocation of Swiss transit permits for HGVs. The Presidency noted the remaining disagreements and concluded that Coreper should aim to reach a decision by November on the permit allocation question.
	The Commission presented two linked legislative proposals on public transport services. The intention of the proposal on public service requirements was to address the reality of the Single Market in the provision of public transport services. The other proposal relates to state aid in public transport. In its statement on this, the Commission said that it would look favourably on infrastructure investment, and the proposal would take into account the needs of small islands. The Presidency concluded that there would be an orientation debate at the December Council.

London Underground

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What representations the Minister for Transport has received from the Health and Safety Executive about London Underground; and, in the light of the incident on 4 September involving a blown fuse on the Central Line, whether he is considering that advice.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) holds meetings with the department to keep Ministers informed of any safety issue arising on LUL.
	I understand that London Underground Limited (LUL) is still carrying out its investigation into the incident referred to by the noble Lord, and the investigation is likely to take about three to four months. The report will be submitted to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate, which will assess its adequacy and ensure that any necessary action is implemented by LUL. The result of HSE's assessment, will be made available to Ministers.

London Underground

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many escalators were out of action on the London Underground during the latest Bank Holiday weekend.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: During the period Saturday 26 August to Monday 28 August, 34 escalators were out of service on London Underground out of a total of 402 currently commissioned for passenger service. Of the 34, four were out of action for replacement and 15 for planned maintenance.

London Underground

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why it took two hours to rescue 2,100 commuters trapped on the Central Line of the London Underground on 4 September.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: This incident is currently the subject of an official investigation, a summary of the results and recommendations arising from which will be published by London Underground in due course. A factual account of the timescales of the operation follows.
	On 4 September, a train broke down at Liverpool Street Station. Two further trains, containing approximately 2,100 passengers, became blocked in the tunnel behind it. The process began with the first blocked train being moved up to the defective train, as soon as it was apparent that the latter could not move under its own power. The initial intention was to couple the trains so that the defective train could be pushed forward, enabling the first blocked train to move up to the platform and its passengers simply to disembark there.
	However, after approximately 20 minutes it became clear that, due to the angle of the trains in the tunnel, coupling would not be possible. The decision was taken to commence a "through train" evacuation. This involves running the trains up to each other and the passengers walking through both trains until they reach the platform. This evacuation began as soon as all required safety precautions could be put in place.
	The first train, containing 1,147 people, was evacuated in 35 minutes in this way (one passenger every 1.8 seconds). Once the first train was empty, the evacuation of the second blocked train began, taking passengers through all three trains. Approximately 1,000 people were thus evacuated at a similar rate to those on the first train.

London Underground

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the breakdown on the Central Line of the London Underground on 4 September, in which 2,100 people were trapped in a tunnel for up to two hours, indicates defects in the management of London Underground; and what steps they propose to take in consequence; and
	Whether, given that on 4 September a blown fuse on a new £3 million train on the Central Line of the London Underground could not be repaired for two hours, the management of London Underground are competent to handle new investment.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: The incident is currently the subject of an official investigation, carried out by London Underground and monitored by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Railways. London Underground will publish a summary of results and recommendations arising from this investigation in due course.

London Underground

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether in the light of the numerous failures of new escalators on London Underground, including the Jubilee Line, London Transport managers are performing adequately.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: London Underground management operates in accordance with procedures agreed by the Health and Safety Executive and carries out rigorous, routine checks on all its escalators as part of its programme of continuous safety monitoring. Where equipment is found to be defective, London Underground will, where necessary, take such equipment, including escalators, out of service so as to avoid hazard to its passengers. This is an appropriate and responsible management response. Most escalators thus taken out of service are not new ones. Where defects have occurred on recently installed escalators, such as on the Jubilee Line extension, London Underground has undertaken careful analysis of faults to identify any recurrent trends or problems, which are then addressed in conjunction with the manufacturer and the Health and Safety Executive.

London Underground

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How the Minister of Transport can evaluate the efficiency of the London Underground if he does not use it every day.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: London Underground Limited has been set challenging performance targets in respect of capacity, reliability and customer satisfaction to be achieved by the end of 2000-01. Performance against these, and other, measures is regularly monitored and reported to me, and other ministerial colleagues.

Aerodrome Protection

Lord Rotherwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What revision of the planning guidance they are considering in reference to the wish of the Civil Aviation Authority to relinquish their responsibility for safeguarding all types of aerodrome.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: We propose that those aerodromes which are currently safeguarded by the Civil Aviation Authority should instead be safeguarded by the aerodrome operators themselves. The role of the authority would become one of overseeing and auditing aerodrome operators' performance of their task.
	Local planning authorities are currently required to consult the authority on development proposals which may have consequences for the safe operation of those aerodromes. We shall be consulting local government and others on the revision of the departmental circular and of the statutory direction to local authorities.

Road Accidents and Burglaries: Incidence

Viscount Simon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether or not a reduction in road traffic accidents and reported burglaries took place during the recent petrol shortage.

Lord Whitty: No information is yet available regarding the level of road accidents or reported burglaries during the recent petrol shortage.

Outdoor Advertising

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking to ensure that the proposals by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to relax planning controls on outdoor advertising from next year are not at the expense of their commitment to preserve the character of rural Britain from disfiguring developments.

Lord Whitty: We would not expect our proposals to have an adverse effect. At the end of June, following consultation on a range of measures to improve the control of outdoor advertisements, we announced our proposal to limit the geographical scope of Areas of Special Control of Advertisements (ASCAs) to land within National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Broads, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and conservation areas.
	Areas of the countryside which would no longer be included within ASCAs would still be subject to the Control of Advertisements Regulations. Applications to display an advertisement would be considered by local planning authorities on the basis of amenity and public safety, taking account of national planning policy guidance. This makes clear that poster advertising is out of place in the open countryside and should not normally be allowed.
	There are good reasons why local planning authorities should decide these matters at local level, just as they decide other important planning matters. We are, nevertheless, giving careful consideration to representations received about ASCAs since the June announcement before coming to a final decision.
	The proposals relate only to England.

Millennium Dome

Lord Jopling: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the acreage of the land occupied by the Dome at Greenwich, together with its ancillary buildings and vacant land.

Lord Whitty: The Dome itself covers an area of 20 acres. The Dome and the adjoining land to the north of the North Greenwich transport interchange covers 48 acres. The Dome, the adjoining land, and the piazza area above the underground station, coach and transit turnaround comprise 63 acres. The total site occupied by the New Millennium Experience Company including backup, service areas and the coach park covers 120 acres.

Millennium Dome

Lord Jopling: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many tons of soil were removed in the process of dealing with pollution at the Dome site; how and where it was treated; what were the minimum and maximum depths of soil removed, together with percentages of soil removed per metre of depth; and
	What recommendations were received, when the site was acquired for the construction of the Dome complex, to deal with pollution; how much of the soil on the site was treated for pollution by means other than removal; and how much soil, and how much of the total acreage, still remains to be dealt with for pollution so that industrial, office or domestic development could be carried out on the site.

Lord Whitty: Remediation of the site has been carried out in stages. British Gas, the original landowner, carried out the statutory remediation, removing all substances which could be a danger or harmful to health.
	The second phase has been carried out by English Partnerships to make the site fit for known planned developments. This has involved either the removal of any remaining contaminated material or works to contain and isolate it. Approximately 1.3 million m 3 of soil has been affected by earth moving operations on the Greenwich Peninsula, of which 260,000m 3 of fill has been removed by English Partnerships from the New Millennium Experience Company site, and 230,000m 3 from the southern site.
	The remaining 850,000m 3 was deemed suitable for retention on site, in some cases after treatment. Approximately 30,000m 3 of material has been subjected to "soil washing" to remove the finer, more contaminated material; and about 245,000m 3 of crushed concrete and similar material has been recycled for use on site.
	The depth to which materials were removed and treated varies across the site. In some areas material was removed to a depth of 14 metres, with the deepest area of bulk excavation being approximately 8 metres under the English Partnerships contracts.
	The containment of any residual contamination after treatment has involved the construction of surface and vertical barriers. Such barriers vary according to the end use but in landscape areas, for example, they are typically about 1.5 metres thick. In other areas, particularly areas used for coach parks and other uses which incorporate a hard solid capping layer themselves, the depth of material used in construction and as a barrier is approximately 450 mm thick.
	Both British Gas and English Partnerships employ WS Atkins as their remediation consultants, who secured the agreement of the Environment Agency and the Environmental Health Department of the London Borough of Greenwich to the remediation solutions which were carried out on site.
	The whole of the 300 acre Greenwich Peninsula site has been remediated fit for its purpose. Any further remediation will depend upon the final use to which the land is to be put and will relate to the form of construction used, for example, where piles and/or other foundations may need to break through the barrier layer they will have to be treated in accordance with the regulatory bodies' standards to ensure the integrity of the capping layer.

Millennium Dome

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the sole shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company, first became aware that the management of NMEC had not constructed an asset register; and
	When Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the sole shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company, first became aware that the management of NMEC had not included a calculation of the costs of closing the exhibition on 31 December 2000 in the company's business plan.

Lord Falconer of Thoroton: I was first made aware that the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) had not got a proper asset register, nor calculated accurately the costs of closing, following a presentation to the Board on 22 August by PricewaterhouseCooper on the company's finances.

Mr James Mawdsley

Baroness Cox: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have made representations to the government of Burma (Myanmar) to ensure access by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner to James Mawdsley in prison so as to access and treat injuries reportedly sustained during recent severe beatings.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: As soon as we discovered James had been beaten, our Ambassador protested to the Burmese authorities. I also took immediate action and summoned the Burmese Ambassador on 27 September. We asked the Burmese authorities for the doctor from the Australian Embassy to be given immediate access to James to assess his medical condition. These representations were followed up when our Ambassador called on the Director General of Consular Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 2 October. We will continue to make representations until James is seen by the Australian doctor.

Mr James Mawdsley

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What representations they have made to the Burmese government following the beating of James Mawdsley by Burmese prison officials; what is known of his physical condition; what progress is being made in processing his appeal against sentence; and what further action they intend to take to secure his release.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: As soon as we discovered James had been beaten, our Ambassador protested in the strongest terms to the Burmese authorities. I also took immediate action and summoned the Burmese Ambassador on 27 September to protest at this blatant abuse of human rights. We demanded either James' immediate release or his transfer to a prison in Rangoon. These representations were followed up when our Ambassador called on the Director General of ConsularAffairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 2 October.
	When our Vice-Consul in Rangoon visited James on 26 September, she reported that James had two very bruised black eyes and a suspected broken nose. We have asked the Burmese authorities for the doctor from the Australian Embassy to be given immediate access to James to assess his medical condition.
	James's latest application for an appeal hearing at the High Court in Mandalay was dismissed on 19 August. Our consular staff obtained the necessary court judgments and passed these to James's lawyer on 29 September. James is now preparing to submit an application for a special appeal.
	We will continue to seek a response from the Burmese to our request for James's immediate release or his transfer to a prison in Rangoon. I will not hesitate to call in the Burmese Ambassador again if the need arises.

Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty

Lord Jenkins of Putney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many governments are reported as regarding the National Missile Defence policy of the United States government as incompatible with the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: It is not for us to comment on reports of the views of other governments in this regard.
	The US Administration itself has said on numerous occasions that it remains fully committed to its obligations under the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty.

Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty

Lord Jenkins of Putney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether both they and the United States government are committed to the elimination of nuclear weapons as signatories to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Under Article VI of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT), all states Parties undertook "to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control".
	At the 2000 NPT Review Conference, the United Kingdom and the other nuclear-weapon states made an "unequivocal undertaking . . . to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals leading to nuclear disarmament to which all States parties are committed under Article VI".

National Missile Defence Policy

Lord Jenkins of Putney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will refuse to cooperate with the United States government in their National Missile Defence policy.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The US Administration has not asked for Her Majesty's Government's agreement to make use of facilities in the UK for National Missile Defence purposes. Her Majesty's Government do not expect to receive any such request until and unless President Clinton's successor decides to proceed with the deployment of such a system.
	We have made clear that we would give any such request careful consideration in the light of the circumstances in which it was put to us.

National Missile Defence Policy

Lord Jenkins of Putney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will request the United States government to abandon their National Missile Defence policy on the ground of hostility to the project by and within NATO countries.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Her Majesty's Government have conveyed their views on the possible deployment of a National Missile Defence system to the US Administration in numerous recent bilateral and multilateral discussions, as have other NATO allies.
	Our views, and those of other allies, are well understood in Washington--as President Clinton made clear in announcing on 1 September his decision to leave a decision on the deployment of any such system to his successor.

Burma

Lord Jenkins of Putney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What further steps are being taken to restore democracy in Burma following the speech by Mr John Battle, MP, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, supporting the condemnation of the military regime by the United Nations.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The UK recently stepped up pressure on the regime: we were among the first to protest publicly at the outrageous treatment of the democratic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. This autumn we will spearhead international action in the International Labour Organisation to stop forced labour; at the UN General Assembly we will argue for a tough human rights resolution; and we are supporting a renewal of the EU Common Position later this month.

Kosovo: Settlement Plans

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What role they envisage for the South East Europe Stability Pact in a regional policy approach to a lasting solution in Kosovo.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Stability Pact is a long-term process to bring political and economic reform, co-operation and development to South East Europe. It is too early to say how this might include Kosovo. There, the international community has a separate mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 to organise the development of provisional institutions for democratic and autonomous self-government and to support economic reconstruction.

Kosovo: Settlement Plans

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether their ultimate objective for the future of Kosovo is clear to all those carrying responsibility in UNMIK, KFOR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other administrative agencies in Kosovo.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is working in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 to promote substantial autonomy and self-government in Kosovo, pending a final settlement. The nature of that final settlement has not yet been agreed.

Kosovo: Settlement Plans

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they are taking together with other governments and international organisations to ensure that the numbers of expatriate civilian police in Kosovo are brought up to the required level and that they have the qualifications and skills for the task in hand.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: According to the United Nations Secretariat, there are currently 4,174 civilian police officers deployed with the United Nations International Police (UNIP) in Kosovo, out of a total of 4,718 mandated by the Security Council. The UK has 124 police officers seconded to UNIP, with a further 20 due to deploy in November. The UK has also contributed a further 40 police officers to the OSCE Police Training School, whose current staffing level is around 200 officers out of an establishment of 211.
	The UK has supported the United Nations and the OSCE in encouraging other states to contribute police officers to Kosovo.
	The United Nations and the OSCE have distributed selection standards for civilian police to all contributing states. Before being accepted on an international mission, officers must meet strict criteria concerning nationality, professional status, mental and physical health, experience, language, driving and integrity. The UN also imposes firearms handling standards in armed missions such as Kosovo. If officers are found not to meet any of these standards, they are repatriated at their state's expense.

Kosovo: Settlement Plans

Lord Judd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How the preparation of a new legal code for Kosovo relates to their ultimate objective for the future of Kosovo.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: UNMIK has chosen to base the legal code on the law as in Kosovo in 1989, before Milosevic removed Kosovo's autonomy. This was a symbolic gesture but important to get Kosovars to participate in the legal system and to help recruit local judges and prosecutors. This, together with regulations issued by UNMIK, constitute a provisional legal base for Kosovo without prejudicing the eventual future status of Kosovo.

Child Poverty

Lord Higgins: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Answer by Baroness Hollis of Heigham on 28 September to a Starred Question by Baroness Thornton (HL Deb. cols, 942-43), why the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in Brighton on 25 September that there are "already 1.2 million children lifted out of poverty" when her replies suggest that this is not true.

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: I refer the noble Lord to my answer to him on this point on 28 September 2000, vol. 616, cols. 942-943.

Benefit Take-up

Lord Morris of Manchester: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will update the estimates previously given to Parliament of the amounts by which they estimated that entitlements to Disability Living Allowance and those of retirement pensioners to Income Support went unclaimed, to include the year 1998-99.[HL3854].

Baroness Hollis of Heigham: No estimates of the actual amounts of unclaimed Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance have been made. Indications of the incidence of disability obtained from the 1996-97 Family Resources Survey were used to make broad estimates of take-up rates for those benefits at that time and suggested that perhaps 30-50 per cent of those entitled to the Disability Living Allowance care component, 50-70 per cent of those entitled to the mobility component, and 40-60 per cent of those entitled to Attendance Allowance were actually claiming the benefit. Such broad ranges, covering five rates and 11 possible combinations of benefit, cannot be reliably converted to cash terms. In general, it is reasonable to assume that it is normally people likely to receive smaller awards of benefit who do not claim.
	Estimates of Income Support take-up, based on 1998-99 survey data and including information for pensioners, are due to be published later this year.

Chinook Helicopter Accident

Lord Jacobs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Chinook crash in June 1994 could have been avoided if the Chinook pilots had made a turn of about 15 degrees to port, as shown on the flight plan, immediately after they changed the way point.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Whichever route had been chosen, safety would not have been compromised if the crew had adhered to the appropriate rules for the weather conditions encountered.

Air Passenger Duty: Charter Airlines

Lord Brabazon of Tara: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will consider exempting enhanced economy services aboard charter airlines from the doubling of Air Passenger Duty on extra-European Economic Area flights from 1 April 2001 on the ground that these are not first or club class services.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: From 1 April 2001 reduced rates of Air Passenger Duty will apply to the lowest class of travel on a flight. On the vast majority of charter airline services this will apply to most, if not all, passengers. However, on some charter flights the airlines provide enhanced facilities such as a separate cabin and better quality seats, which are clearly not the lowest class of travel on those flights. In these cases the standard rates of Air Passenger Duty will be appropriate. Airlines have been invited to approach Customs to agree how the changes will affect their flights.

UK Foreign Currency Reserves

Lord Willoughby de Broke: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What percentage of United Kingdom reserves are currently held in gold, euros, US dollars and other currencies of specie.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The currency breakdown of the UK's Foreign Currency Reserves is published quarterly on the Bank of England's website (www.bankofengland.co.uk).

Gold Prices

Lord Willoughby de Broke: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What price the 125 tons of gold was sold from the United Kingdom reserves in the auction beginning in June 1999; and what was the price of gold on 28 September 2000.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The information sought is contained in the press releases issued by the Bank of England for each auction and is available on their website (www.bankofengland.co.uk). The price of gold at the close of business in London on 28 September 2000 was $275.25 per ounce.

Gold Sales and Euro Purchases

Lord Willoughby de Broke: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was the value in sterling terms of euros purchased by them subsequent to the gold sales in 1999; and by how much in sterling and percentage terms that holding has appreciated or depreciated since its purchase.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given to Lord Blackwell on 9 October 2000 (Official Report, col. 4).

Tax Rates in the EU

Lord Inglewood: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will show in a table the top rate of personal inheritance tax, or other comparable tax at death, in each country of the European Union.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave the noble Lord, Lord Marlesford, on 22 of June 2000 (Official Report, col. WA39).

Tax Rates in the EU

Lord Inglewood: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will show in a table the top rate of capital gains tax charged on disposal of shares in publicly quoted companies in each country of the European Union.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: It is difficult to make direct comparisons between the rates of tax charged on the disposal of shares in publicly quoted companies across the Euoprean Union. This is because in many countries there is no distinction made between capital gains and other income, for corporate disposal of shares in publicly quoted companies. Instead, in such cases, all income is taxed at the corporate rate.
	The information provided in the table below is found in Corporate Tax Guide 2000, Ernst & Young; Individual Taxes 1999-2000, PriceWaterhouse Coopers; and HM Treasury (1998), Financial Statement and Budget Report 1998, London (figures for taper applicable in 1999). It outlines, for each country of the EU, the means by which the capital gains on the disposal of shares are taxed. The tax rates shown all relate to those in effect as at the end of December 1999, the most recent period for which comparative data are available. Since there is a distinction between taxation of corporate and individual disposal of shares in publicly quoted companies, the table includes a column for each.
	
		
			 Country Corporate Individual 
			 Austria There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (34%). Capital gains realised by a private person are generally exempt. 
			 Belgium Capital gains on shares are exempt from tax if dividends on the shares qualify for the participation exemption. Capital gains realised by a private person are generally exempt. 
			 Denmark Gains derived from disposals of shares owned for three years or more are exempt from tax unless the seller deals in shares. Shares owned for less than three years are taxed as other income (32%). Gains on sales of shares in quoted companies are exempt subject to certain conditions. Where these conditions are not met, gains are taxable as normal income (40%). 
			 Finland There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (28%). Capital gains are taxed at the flat rate of 28%. 
			 France Long-term capital gains are taxed at the standard rate (33?%) plus surtaxes. Short-term capital gains are included in ordinary income and subject to the standard corporate tax rate (33?%). Capital gains are subject to a 16% tax plus 10% social surcharges. 
			 Germany Capital gains tax rate is 40% plus 5.5% surcharge. Long-term capital gains are free of tax. Short-term gains are added to taxable income (53%). 
			 Greece Exemption applies where gains are held in a special reserve. Otherwise taxed at corporate tax rate (35% or 40%). Gains on listed shares are not taxable. 
			 Italy Capital gains on assets that have been held for at least three years may be taxed at the company's option entirely in the year of sale (37%) or spread over a maximum period of five years. Where the substitute tax regime applies, the rate is 27%. Capital gains are taxable at the rate of 12-% or 27% dependent on the level of participation. 
			 Luxembourg There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (30%). Short-term gains are included in taxable income at normal rates (46%). Long-term gains are exempt subject to certain conditions. 
			 Netherlands There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (35%). Capital gains are generally not included in taxable income. 
			 Portugal There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (34%). The sale of shares is taxed at 10%. 
			 Republic of Ireland There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (24%). Most capital gains are taxed at 20%. 
			 Spain There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (35%). Short-term capital gains are taxed with ordinary income at a general rate of 39.6%. Long-term gains are taxed at 20%. 
			 Sweden There is no distinction between capital gains and other income. All income is taxed at the corporate tax rates (28%). National income tax on capital income is imposed at a flat rate of 30%. 
			 UK Gains are subject to corporation tax at the normal rates (30%). Capital gains are taxed at rates equivalent to the rates of income tax that would apply if gains were treated as the top slice of the individual's "savings" income. The UK system for taxing capital gains incorporates a taper, whereby effective tax rates decline over time. There is a separate taper for business assets and non-business assets*. 
		
	
	*The 1998 Budget introduced a taper for capital gains tax on non-business assets, which replaced the previous capital gains tax indexation allowance. For non-business assets the taper reduces the effective rate of tax on capital gains for a higher rate taxpayer from 40 per cent in the first three years down to 24 per cent after the tenth year.
	For business assets there is also a taper, which reduces the effective rate of tax for a higher rate taxpayer from 40 per cent in the first year to 10 per cent after the tenth year. From April 2000 the taper increases, so that the effective tax rate for a higher rate taxpayer falls from 40 per cent in the first year to
	10 per cent after the fourth year.

Tax Rates in the EU

Lord Inglewood: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will show in a table the current top rate of tax on personal incomes in each country of the European Union, indicating in respect of each the threshold of income (expressed in euros and pounds sterling) at which this tax rate applies.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The information requested for 1998, the most recent year for which comparative data are currently available, is contained in the OECD publication Taxing Wages: Taxes and Wages and Salaries, Social Security Contributions for Employees and their Employers, Child Benefits, and is as follows:
	
		
			  Top Income Tax Rate Top Income Tax Threshold (,=s)(1) Top Income Tax Threshold (Euros)(1) 
			 Austria 50% 30,655 50,869 
			  
			 Belgium 55%(2) 36,153 59,992 
			  
			 Denmark 28.5%(3) 20,276 33,646 
			  
			 Finland 38%(4) 31,015 51,466 
			  
			 France 54% 26,973 44,759 
			  
			 Germany 53% 36,987 61,376 
			  
			 Greece 45% 15,004 24,898 
			  
			 Ireland 46% 7,652 12,697 
			  
			 Italy 45.5% 42,304 70,200 
			  
			 Luxembourg 46% 39,439 65,446 
			  
			 Netherlands 60% 28,378 47,090 
			  
			 Portugal 40% 18,885 31,337 
			  
			 Spain 47.6% 38,029 63,105 
			  
			 Sweden 25%(5) 15,087 25,035 
			  
			 UK 40% 27,100 44,970 
		
	
	(1) Using currency exchange rates as at 28 September 2000.
	(2) Belgium: Government levies a crisis surcharge of 3 per cent, plus municipalities levy a local income tax by way of a surcharge on national tax, maximum of 10 per cent (of the national tax). Average rate is around 7 per cent.
	(3) Denmark: In addition, municipal income tax is levied at flat rates ranging from 24 per cent to 33 per cent. Average 31.7 per cent. This is a proviso that maximum combined rate of municipal and national rate cannot exceed 59 per cent.
	(4) Finland: In addition, municipal income tax is levied at flat rates ranging from 15 per cent to 19.5 per cent.
	(5) Sweden: In addition, local income tax is levied. Rates determined by municipality; average 31 per cent.